I have heard from several people that many reception sites are drastically lowering their costs for September 11 weddings because of the delicate nature of the date and because so many people do not want to get married on that date. I am trying to plan my 2004 wedding, and was hoping to get married in October, but we are on an extremely tight budget for approximately 150 people, and I was wondering if anyone had heard anything about this. Sept. 11 is a Saturday next year and I would love to be able to get married Saturday night, but obviously the cost is too much. Neither my fiance nor I are adamantly opposed to getting married on Sept. 11, although we are aware that some people will have something to say about it.
Putting aside any emotional or other issues that arise with the mention of that date, does anyone know of a) any specific venues that are discounting their usual prices, and b) how much they are discounting?
Thanks in advance!
jannshari
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Re: September 11 weddings
I think I'd have a lower turnout on a weekday wedding than I would on 9/11, but I've heard the same thing about price.
ThreeTwenty
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Re: September 11 weddings
I don't think it was written in stone (we went over a year ago) but the guy we worked with had mentioned increasing the rates. FH and I were trying to figure out why they would bother and not just close as you mentioned, especially since other halls were lowering the rates. I guess they did change their minds as an above poster mentioned she booked there.
based on the reactions of the people on this thread...it would be my educated guess that prices would be lowered...
my top 2 halls gave discounts on 7/4, mothers day and fathers day
alina
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Re: September 11 weddings
I don't have price infor w/regard to 9/11, but I can tell you that our price was down signifficantly (30% or so) due to afternoon vs. evening wedding.
Lunatrek
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Re: September 11 weddings
I guess it all depends on where you go. My hall's prices were different by month, not by day of the week or time of the day. For example, June and Sept. - Nov. were the most expensive months of the year, summer was cheaper, and March and April were the cheapest. (I shouldn't say cheap, I should say 'less expensive'...sorry!)
So maybe just visit lots and lots of places?? I was surprised by how different the 'rules' were. Good luck to ya!!
Karen62794
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Re: September 11 weddings
Personally, I wouldn't have my wedding on 9/11. There is nothing wrong with a Friday night, Saturday day, Sunday day or Sunday night wedding.
I wanted a Saturday night too, but I didn't have enough people coming, so I chose a holiday (July 4th -- Friday night). I had no problems at all.
Good luck to you!
jannshari
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Re: September 11 weddings
As I stated earlier, I can't do a Friday night or Saturday day wedding because I'm Jewish. Sunday day is fine with me, but my fiance always dreamed of having a Saturday night wedding, and I would love to be able to make that happen if at all feasible. Of course, he's happy with whatever I decide, but I know if money were no object, we'd be having a Saturday night wedding. We've been planning a Sunday day wedding all along, but since several people have mentioned this to me, I figured I'd find out if there is that big a difference in price.
Ab12345
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Re: September 11 weddings
Actually, she is 100% right, so many people get married Memorial Day, Pearl Harbor and many more people unfortunately lost there lives and I know Sept 11 is more fresh since it happened 2 years ago, but I don't think its a big deal if people get married that day. I'm actually considering it because of the heavily discounts catering halls are offering. I say go for it.
Marnles
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Re: September 11 weddings
The fact is MOST people wouldn't have it on that day - especially in New York - and because of this you are seeing from the responses that most people didn't even ask cause they didn't even consider it....
If I were you, I would search for halls you really like, and then go visit them and ask. That is the best way to go about this...I cant see emotions not getting involved in this post, although this wasn't your intention. Try calling the halls direct and see if they will disclose the info over the phone (most won't)......and then make appts. if you are interested. JMO
Are you planning on marrying in the temple? Cause if not, there are rabbis who will marry you on the Sabbath, unless marrying on the Sabbath is completely out of the question due to your own personal beliefs...
Good luck in your search...
palebride
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Re: September 11 weddings
I applaud this kind of a response for your first post - 4 pages...and still going! You certainly know how to post!!
I TOTALLY understand the money issue. I know a lot of people who have based their wedding date based on price - usually on holidays because they are cheaper. And I think your guests will understand. I say look into a 9/11 wedding...see if it can be cheaper. And from the responses of the girls here - I think it probably will be.
On another note - this whole thing reminded me of my friend...she recently got engaged, and as her father died a few years ago, since he couldn't be there, she decided to get married on his birthday so he could be there. She is turning what might have been a sad day for her and her family into what will become a happy memory.
A wedding is an emotional day no matter what!!!
julybride444
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Re: September 11 weddings
As long as no one in your family or a close friend died that day (and I lost a good friend that day, so back off girls), do it. For those who didn't lose anybody, it's just a date. Do what YOU want!
I would call the Harrison House in Glen Cove, I may have heard mention of discounts on that date but am not sure, and check out Port Jeff. Country Club b/c a friend mentioned they might discount that date. Good luck!
Oh, and if you're interested, I'd check out NYC venues b/c they'd be even more likely to discount due to the date.
If you wanted to, as a wedding favor you could make a donation to a Sept. 11th charity, to an international peace charity or something for your favor and you could mention something in the program about loss that day if you know some of your guests lost somebody, otherwise, go about your business and enjoy your day!!!!
Annieb
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Re: September 11 weddings
.
palebride
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Re: September 11 weddings
love the donation as a favor idea....and making mention of those lost in the program. there's no reason life should stop because of crazy people. (and by crazy i mean the people who caused all the trouble that day - not the girls on this board)
MichelleW
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Re: September 11 weddings
Being married to a firefighter (FDNY) that was directly involved, I know in my heart that that day would bring sadness for me becuase of all the friends we lost and for all that lost their lives that day
However, not to sound callous, catering halls are a business and perhaps some would offer a discount here in NY for allthe reasons stated
Good luck in your planning and best wishes
Lisa Rose
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Re: September 11 weddings
Annieb....why did you delete your post???
cmdmfs
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Re: September 11 weddings
You may want to also try the Thatched Cottage. I went there months ago but it was to big for us. My point is...they called two weeks ago to let us know that they were offering 9/11 at a discounted $ (around 65-75pp). If you are on a budget try some of the local country/golf clubs. The give a homey feel and tend to be less expensive then a catering hall. Not mention they allow you to start your reception anytime you want (minor exceptions).
palebride
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Re: September 11 weddings
now that we know so much about your decision making process....please let us know where you finally book for your reception! I can't wait to see when and where!
jannshari
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Re: September 11 weddings
Thanks for all the help, ladies. You've all been wonderful! Yes, even those who I don't agree with...it just goes to show that we're not all cut from the same cloth and have varying opinions about everything...and no two weddings will ever be exactly alike.
I LOVE the idea about the donations in lieu of favors; it certainly beats Jordan almonds any day! I have great respect for those who have to deal with a personal loss on 9/11 for the rest of their lives, and, while I haven't lost someone close to me, it's not just another day. However, while it's a day to remember, I don't think it should be a day where everyone and everything shuts down and forgets what it means to be survivors (in any way you wish to interpret that word).
Thanks again!
Kelly5274
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Re: September 11 weddings
If you don't mind waiting until the last minute, try booking the halls only a few months in advance. We originally booked one venue and because of money and logistics, decided just to call around a few different places. We got quotes of up to half off the per person price, site fees, and lots of extras thrown in. We decided on the Carlyle on the Green and got a great price. Nearly every place we had called had the date we wanted open (and it was in June). Had to get invitations reprinted, and lost roughly $1000 deposit, but if you don't book another place first, it's always an option.
jannshari
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Re: September 11 weddings
Palebride, I think it will take more courage to actually tell you which place I pick and why than to make this my first post!! I've seen some pretty ugly posts about people sharing their opinions on which place they chose and why they didn't choose others instead. YIKES!
